Procurement professionals are now playing an increasingly strategic role within their organizations. Procurement of raw materials and components that go into the manufacturing process is essential to ensure final product quality and strong financial performance. As supply chains become more dynamic, companies must pay closer attention to supply and supplier management. Why? Because events like trade wars, natural disasters, and supplier events, such as unexpected plant shutdowns like we are seeing with the Coronavirus outbreak, can disrupt a company's production. And delays in direct materials can have a detrimental effect on production and revenue. Companies depend on procurement teams to mitigate the impact of those disruptions and ensure supply continuity.